The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch through late tonight.

A very warm and humid air mass will be in place ahead of an approaching cold front, which will push across the region through tonight. Widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon into tonight, which will be capable of producing heavy rainfall. Forecast rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches can generally be expected, with localized amounts of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Rainfall rates may exceed 2 inches per hour.

. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris.

Due to the predicted forecast, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is reminding travelers to stay alert for changing weather conditions.

Heavy rain and flooding create dangerous driving conditions and low visibility. Avoiding or delaying unnecessary travel during storms is the safest choice.

Drivers should always obey warning signs and traffic control devices, and never drive through flooding or standing water on roads.

Motorists are also reminded that Pennsylvania law requires headlights to be turned on anytime a vehicle’s wipers are needed.

Drivers should turn on their full headlights during rain events as the daylight running lights feature on some vehicles does not automatically turn on the taillights.

Stay alert of objects like tree branches that may blow onto the roadway.

Slow down and increase focus on the road.

Add an appropriate amount of distance between your vehicle and others.

When driving at high speeds in the rain, it’s important that you have well working wipers. If you haven’t replaced your wipers in a while, consider doing so.

You are more likely to hydroplane with worn out tires. Check the tread of your vehicle’s tires before you hit the road.

Before traveling, check conditions and impact on the 511PA APP or visiting: https://www.paturnpike.com/rampup

Have an emergency kit handy. Here are some suggestions of what you could include in your emergency kit.

Here’s the latest forecast:

This Afternoon: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 78. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 11 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., then a chance of showers after 2 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 60. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday: A chance of showers, mainly between 8 a.m. and 9am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. North wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 79. North wind around 5 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 82.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 82.